Trainer Brittany shares one of her favorite childhood dinners updated to be plant-based and low fat.

This is one of my favorite meals that takes less than 5 minutes to prepare and enjoy! It is a great lunch or dinner option that is plant-based, nutrient dense, and full of flavor! When I am trying to keep it low fat I eat the tostadas without the vegan "cheese". Either way they are super tasty.Ingredients:

Layout two to four tostadas. Put the desired amount of refried beans and 1-2 tablespoon of shredded vegan mozzarella cheese on each tostada. Heat the tostadas in the microwave for 1 minute or until the "cheese" is melted. Now top the tostadas with corn, lettuce, and salsa.

My parents raised me to be active and to be conscientious of what we were eating. I have always continued on that journey, each year getting a little closer to my goal of eating a 95% raw diet and maintaining a fully functional and healthy body.

Which classes do you teach?

I can teach just about any class with the exception of yoga. My brain is just not there yet. My latest favorite creation is my Drumming class called Smash the Floor! Super fun, lots of cardio, lower body and core!

How would you describe your training style?

Commanding. If you lead, teach, motivate, inspire, and educate you have GOOD qualities to be a trainer or instructor. However, if you display positive self-esteem, focus, and discipline, you can be a GREAT trainer/instructor. Commanding is a sure-fire way to help people believe. Commanding helps project the idea of being in control of yourself and your body and your life. I believe in leading by example.

Top three favorite exercises and why?

TRX Golf Swings, TRX Burpees, TRX Stretches. TRX suspension training is a great bodyweight facilitated piece of equipment that can help torch calories & fat, is gentle on the body’s joints, helps polish body alignment and technique, can be used for very challenging workouts, can be used for rehabilitation purposes, improves flexibility, and you are also exercising your CORE in every single exercise. Yes I am an advocate for TRX and that answer could possibly sound like a staple sales pitch… however, there is a reason. I personally use the TRX for my own workouts. My body injuries, dance/sports/fitness, and years of teaching too many intense cardio formats, have created severe arthritis in my knees. On good AND bad knee days I know I can still get a solid workout on the TRX w/o jumping, pounding, lifting heavy, and no lateral movement or lunges. My body ALWAYS feels great at the end of a TRX session.

No. My motto in regards to food and beverage is Fresh is Best. I have never deviated. It seems to be working out pretty well for me. You can consume all the nutrients and minerals your body needs through fresh foods.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given about health and fitness?

Don’t measure pounds, look in the mirror naked and if you like what you see, you’re doing ok.

What are your favorite exercises for developing a 6-pack?

Lifting my fork of green leafy spring mix into my mouth.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Short answer….people.

What is your favorite form of cardio?

Hiit Training. Nice short bursts of any exercise will do.

What was your funniest moment at the gym?

Farting. Can’t help it, gas makes me laugh. If you eat beans, you are gonna fart.

What is your favorite part of teaching fitness classes and/or personal training?

Networking and connecting with people. Learning the story behind every face so I can take in all that is around me and figure out how to best contribute to happiness, health, and freedom for all of us while I am alive.

Stand with your legs wider than hip distance. Turn you right foot 90 degrees with your left foot remaining perpendicular. Bend your right leg. Your bent knee should be above the ankle. Raise your arms to shoulder height at the same time and look towards your right hand's fingertips.

As the weather gets colder many people are returning to group fitness classes. One of the best indoor workouts we recommend are our spin classes. Below are 7 reasons why you should incorporate spin classes into your weekly workout routines.

You can train all year long – Spinning is great, because it can be done all year long...and it's indoors. That means you'll enjoy a bike ride without having to navigate through crazy drivers, pot holes, ice, rain, or strong winds. A 30-45 min spin class is equivalent to about 8-10 miles. A full hour, depending on how fast you pedal, can give you closer to 13 miles!

You workout harder to awesome music – Each instructor uses a different flavor of music. So whether you like pop, hip hop, oldies, rock, or a mixture of everything you can try out new instructors to see who has a similar taste in music to you. However, no matter what type of music is played, you’ll always get a great workout and feel pumped, since all spin classes use high tempo songs to get your legs moving.

Burn a ton of calories with interval training – Another great thing about spin classes are that they use interval training to rotate between sprints, hills, time out of the seat and rest periods. You'll keep your heart rate up the whole time without being overly fatigued. Interval training also gives you the highest calorie burn for the amount of time spent working out.

Tone more than just your legs – Spin classes tone more than just your legs. You need to use your core when you are pedaling out of the seat in order to stabilize your body. You also activate your glutes when spinning to deliver a fully toned lower body. At both Ravenswood and Edgewater fitness centers we offer several spin classes that also include a yoga or strength training section to give participants a full body workout.

Ride at your own speed – While our instructors encourage participants to ride faster and with more resistance every class, participants are in full control of their resistance and speed levels. This makes spin classes perfect for all experience and fitness levels.

Give your joints a break – Spin classes give your joints a nice break from other classes like bootcamp, tabata, and zumba that use a lot of high impact exercises that can put a lot of pressure on your joints.

De-stress and Re-energize – Exercise in general relieves stress and provides energy. However, spin classes in particular allow participants to get lost in their workout, since the movements are simpler and require little concentration.

This week's smoothie is a chocolate, chunky, and chewy delicacy. It also has little to no fat, stays well for the following day if you have leftovers, and is packed with antioxidants. A definite must for chocolate lovers out there trying to get a guilt-free chocolate fix!

Dried fruit is one the best healthy snacks that you can stock up on at work, because it doesn't go bad easily, you get tons of fiber from the fruit, it's not messy, and it doesn't require any prep-work before eating. Additionally, an article on livestrong.com reports, "Dried fruits like apricots, raisins, prunes and figs contain high amounts of beta carotene, vitamin E, niacin, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium,".

Trainer Brittany V swears by dried fruit to get her through a long day of marketing and then teaching spin classes at Ravenswood. "I like to think of myself as a fruitarian meaning I eat lots and lots of fruit! Dried fruit is awesome because it has little to no fat, lots of nutrients condensed into chewy little packages and it is a great source of energy! It's the best kind of sugar for your brian!"

Almost all dried fruit is super healthy for you. Dried figs, apples, apricots, blueberries, peaches, mangos, raisins, dates and prunes are all great options. However, Fitday.com says there are a couple of dried fruits to avoid:

Pineapple, which is usually coated in refined sugar.

Banana chips, because they are generally deep-fried and sweetened. Look for dried banana chips with no extra sugar.

Cranberries, because they almost always require extra sweeteners due to their tartness.

Watermelon, since it has low levels of nutrients and high levels of sugar.

How would you describe your training style?My approach is centered on a holistic philosophy and is geared towards expanding the client’s appreciation of the necessary attentiveness to mind and body issues. I emphasize positive self-talk, believing that the body goes where the mind leads.

Top three favorite exercises and why?Planks - # 1 exercise for spinal stabilization (read working your core); Pilates Draw-A-Sword - great for the rear delts and rotator cuff; Pigeon pose or Pilates Lunge - for stretching out those pesky hip flexors.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?"Our lives begin to begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter". MLK Jr.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given about health and fitness?Find activities that you enjoy and just keep doing them. Fitness is not one size fits all. What works for one person may not work for another.

What are your favorite exercises for developing abs?Planks, planks, and more planks

What are your favorite exercises for developing a nice butt?Deadlifts, Prone Pilates Froggies, Side Lunges

Where does your inspiration come from?My grandparents

What is your favorite form of cardio?Biking around the city as a form of transportation and to relieve stress. Much better than crowding into the packed CTA.

What is your favorite part of teaching fitness classes and/or personal training?Working with people and helping others to appreciate their bodies for what they CAN do is the best part of my job. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone go from only being able to do a handful of bent-knee push-ups to 20 straight leg push-ups. Also, it's great to show people that **gasp** exercise can be fun and its okay to laugh while doing it.

What is your favorite song to workout to right now?Turn Down for What by DJ Snake ft Lil Jon

Late in the morning or afternoon and you need sustainable energy?This quick and easy snack will give you energy for hours and won't leave you hungry! It is gluten free, contains antioxidants, low in calories and full of protein.

Place frozen waffles in toaster and toast to desired crispnessSpread one tablespoon peanut butter on each waffle followed by one teaspoon jellyThat's it!

Eat with a fork and knife or slap them together for a sandwich on the move.

Tip:

Keep these three simple items handy in the break room at work.Rather than reach for the office donut take a moment and slap one of these together to fight off snack cravings and get you through the rest of your day.

1) Give It Ten. Start working out for ten minutes and then see how you feel. Often times the hardest part is just starting. 2) Workout With a Friend. Having a buddy that holds you accountable for working out is a great fitness motivator. Here at Edgewater if you refer a friend to our club you get one month free added to your membership. 3) Get the Proper Equipment. Make sure that you are wearing proper workout clothes and shoes when you exercise. The incorrect shoes or clothes while working out can lead to injuries and/or discomfort. 4) Put Your Exercise Clothes On. Going to bed in your exercise clothes is a great way to wake up in the morning ready for your workout. Another idea is to change into your workout clothes as soon as you get home so that you can get into the right mindset. 5) Take Your Measurements. Measuring your waist, arms, and legs every few weeks will let you know if you are on the right track or if you need to adjust your diet & exercise routines. 6) Treat Yourself. Every time that you reach one of your fitness goals reward yourself with something. It could be a new workout outfit, a new piece of exercise equipment, a massage, etc. Try not to reward yourself with unhealthy food, because this can lead to setbacks. 7) Read Some Inspirational Quotes. Sometimes that Jillian Michael or Bruce Lee quote is all you need to get into the workout mood. 8) Create A Motivational Playlist. Having good music while working out is great for pushing you to get one more rep in or to run a little faster. 9) Post It Or Write It Down. Having a visual reminder of your goals can help you to stay on track. Put your race registration sheet up on your refrigerator, write down your fitness goals on a sticky note and put them on your mirror, or print off a picture of your favorite fitness icon and put it on your bulletin board. 10) Have fun! Always do a workout that you enjoy. This will make you want to workout again and again.

Today's blueberry and banana smoothie is simple, sweet, and jam packed with antioxidants. According to Wed MD, "one landmark study shows that just one cup of berries provides all the disease-fighting antioxidants you need in a single day". Try drinking this smoothie or eating a cup of berries every day. Small actions like this will help you prevent disease before it hits compared to taking care of illnesses only after we have them.

Ingredients:

3 frozen bananas1 cup blueberries2 cups water1/4 cup coconut sugar

Directions:

Put in a blender and blend on high! Then slurp till your heart and stomachs content. :)